SUFC Long hoping to cap fantastic season

Sheffield United goalkeeper George Long is hoping to cap off an excellent season for him by representing the England under-20 side at this summer`s World Cup finals in Turkey.

Long admits he hasn`t looked back since replacing the injured Mark Howard in the United goal in October.

He picked up the League One Player of the Month in his first month in the side and followed this up with the Football League Young Player of the Month for February after keeping six consecutive clean sheets.

Long made 44 appearances in the season and he picked up the Young Player of the Year and the Achievement of the season award at the clubs end of season awards dinner.

The 19-year old has been named in Peter Taylor`s provisional 35-man squad for the finals and despite the disappointment of losing in the play-offs with United, Long says he won`t forget this season.

'To play in a World Cup against some of the best young players in the world would be an unbelievable experience," Long told the official website.

'I never expected to make over 40 appearances this season, but after getting thrown into the action in October I haven't really looked back.

'Everyone is gutted we didn't win promotion, but personally it was a good season for me and one I won't forget.

'Hopefully I can cap it by playing for my country in a World Cup.'

Peter Taylor will name his final 21-man squad on June 7th and Long is one of four goalkeepers named in the provisional squad.

England face Iraq on June 23rd, Chile on June 26th and Egypt on June 29th in their group games in a tournament that runs from June 21st to 13th July.

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